C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Not a typical intake runner issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 10:22 PM
  #1  
RedVertigo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Not a typical intake runner issue

Hi everyone this is my first post to the MB forum, I bought a 2008 c300 recently and gave it to my girlfriend. It has 103k miles, and I got it for a very decent price due to a couple leaks and upcoming maintenance needed. I fixed the leaks and was about to do the transmission flush this upcoming weekend. However, My girl was driving it today and got the infamous p2004 and an associated p0173 and p0170. I inspected the intake runners, internal and external and all linkages are intact.
i also started the car and at idle I could see all the runner valves were not getting vacuum or pulling in the internal or external runners, my first question is do these runners close under idle conditions?
I also checked all vacuum hoses associated with the assembly and checked the vacuum electronic actuators ( pictured below ) by energizing them with 12 volts and watching them actuate.
every vacuum valve holds vacuum and there’s no cracks or bends in the linkage, my next check would be to see if the electrical connectors to the electronic actuators have 12 volts, is there a common ground between both actuators? Or a common electrical fault that causes this condition?

The electrical actuators for the vacuum
The electrical actuators for the vacuum

Intact runner assembly (obviously actuators removed)
Intact runner assembly (obviously actuators removed)
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2026 | 01:19 PM
  #2  
Twoohfour's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
2009 C300 Sport
The more the throttle plate is open the less manifold vacuum. I know for certain the center actuator cycles in (toward the vacuum bell) when the car is at idle because I just did the lever repair on mine. I didn't pay attention if the outside 2 cycle in at idle but if the solenoid control logic puts vacuum to them they should retract as well. If nothing is happening it sounds like you have a wiring issue that is common to both solenoids. I don't know if 12V or ground is the control side, maybe someone with a manual or experience can chime in.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM
  #3  
RedVertigo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Twoohfour
The more the throttle plate is open the less manifold vacuum. I know for certain the center actuator cycles in (toward the vacuum bell) when the car is at idle because I just did the lever repair on mine. I didn't pay attention if the outside 2 cycle in at idle but if the solenoid control logic puts vacuum to them they should retract as well. If nothing is happening it sounds like you have a wiring issue that is common to both solenoids. I don't know if 12V or ground is the control side, maybe someone with a manual or experience can chime in.

that’s what I was thinking sadly wiring schematics are hard to come by without paying money. Might end up being worth it in this instance.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:57 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE